Oregon’s automobile dealers association is among those in the country asking questions about the legality of the slick new Tesla Motors retail stores including the one that opened at Washington Square in July.

According to Automotive News, dealer associations in a handful of states, and state regulators in at least one case, say Tesla’s stores violate state franchise laws that prohibit factory ownership of dealerships.

Tesla, a popular Palo Alto, Calif.-based electric car maker, now operates 17 stores in 10 states and the District of Columbia, most in shopping malls. Another six are scheduled to open this fall.

Tesla is trying to recreate the experience of the Apple retail stores and counts former Apple executive, George Blankenship, among its executive ranks.